Better Futures MN

Better Futures is an ambitious social enterprise working to enrich the lives of its employees. With multi-year funding focused on Culturally Specific Organizations, as well as addressing mental health and other chronic medical conditions, we help build a capable talent pool of workers to fill MN jobs.

Marcus's Story

Men transitioning out of prison need a support system. Through United Way partner Better Futures Minnesota, Marcus got the help he needed to successfully rejoin our community.

Better Futures MN Anchor Employers

Better Futures MN (30 sec)

When men transition out of prison, the odds are against them. Our support helps men learn skills so they can successfully rejoin their families and the Twin Cities community.

Better Futures MN

Marcus's Story

Better Futures MN Anchor Employers

Better Futures MN (30 sec)

Better Options, Brighter Tomorrows

Fact check: Ex-offenders and Joblessness

In 2014, 7,600 inmates were released from Minnesota prisons. And we know that three-quarters of ex-offenders nationwide struggle to find a job, often taking up to a year. Joblessness can spell disaster—there’s too much at stake to let this happen.

Teaching Crucial Skills

Only 27 percent of Minnesotan ex-offenders have earned a high school diploma or GED, and only 22 percent have more education than that. Job and life skills are critical to building stable lives.

Filling the Gaps

Minnesota has one of the highest rates of African American overrepresentation in the prison system. And we have talent gaps in the workforce. We need to close the disparity gaps and put more skilled workers in jobs with sustainable wages.

Defining social enterprise

An organization that improves human and environmental wellbeing, and maximizes profits for external shareholders.

"Without a person being emotionally, physically and psychologically healthy, they can’t hold a job. And if you can’t hold a job, it starts that downward spiral back into incarceration. So this piece, which is vital for the stabilization of our men, is a piece that United Way gets and they supported us on multi-year funding for that.
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